Sensitive Residential Conversion within a Heritage Setting
This scheme focuses on the conversion and extension of an existing office building on Bridge Street, Walsall, to create 55 new residential apartments, while retaining a mix of ground floor retail units and office accommodation.
The building is locally listed and sits within a conservation area, requiring a carefully considered architectural response that balances new residential use with the protection of the site’s historic character and contribution to the townscape.
Location: Bridge Street, Walsall
Client: Charles Jordan Ltd
Service: Architecture
Sector: Residential
Project type: Conversion / Retrofit / Heritage
RIBA Stage: 0–3
A balanced Mixed-Use Retrofit
The proposals deliver 55 apartments through a partial conversion and extension of the existing structure. Retaining active ground floor uses was a key driver of the design, helping to maintain vitality at street level and preserve the mixed-use nature of the area.
The architectural approach prioritises reuse and adaptation, allowing the existing building to be repurposed efficiently while meeting modern residential standards and expectations.
Heritage-led design approach
Given the site’s heritage constraints, the design was developed through close collaboration with heritage consultants and the local conservation officer. Particular care was taken to ensure that new interventions respect the scale, proportion and character of the existing building.
Extensions and alterations have been designed to sit comfortably alongside the retained fabric, ensuring the original building remains legible while accommodating change in a sensitive and appropriate way.
Amenity space and landscaping
The scheme includes substantial new amenity space and external landscaping to support resident wellbeing and improve the quality of the environment. These spaces provide shared outdoor areas for residents and help soften the relationship between the historic building and new architectural elements.
The landscape proposals also enhance the setting of the building within the conservation area, contributing positively to the wider streetscape.
Our role
Marrons is responsible for the architectural design of the scheme from RIBA Stages 0–3. Our role has included developing the conversion and extension strategy, coordinating with heritage specialists, and shaping a design that unlocks residential use while responding sensitively to the building’s historic and urban context.
Key challenges
- Converting a locally listed building to residential use
- Designing extensions within a conservation area
- Retaining active ground floor uses alongside new homes
- Introducing high-quality amenity and landscape space within an existing urban site
